Group 5 · Spitz & primitive types
Portuguese Podengo (Small)
The small Portuguese Podengo is a lively, sturdy little hunting dog bred for rabbits, in smooth and wire coats. It is playful, brave and clever, and a watchful housemate.
Health
These examinations come from the official breeding programme for the breed Podengo Portugues by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). They apply to the puppies’ parents.
In short
Both parents must have 2 examinations:
- 1 DNA test
- 1 eye examination
Of these, 2 examinations only become mandatory at a later date (see below).
A sample for DNA tests can be taken either with a mouth swab or by a blood sample. To carry out the examinations, the breeder uses a vet or a laboratory. For each examination below, you can see from what age and how often it must be done. Ask the breeder for the results of both parent dogs.
Mandatory examinations (2)
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive rod-cone degeneration (Prcd-PRA)
DNA test Once from birth Mandatory from 01/07/2027
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- PRCD: XM_022422503.1:c.5G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Eye disorders
Eye examination Valid for 2 years at least 1 year Mandatory from 01/07/2027
Official description
- Method
- General eye examination
The breeding programme also contains the breeding advice for each examination and general rules on inbreeding, the number of matings per stud dog and the use of frozen semen. You can find these in the official document.
Source: breeding programme Podengo Portugues, Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, PDF published on 24/08/2026.
View the official breeding programme (PDF, in Dutch)
A breeding programme reduces the risk of hereditary conditions, but does not offer a 100% health guarantee.
Translation of the Dutch breeding programme by Puppymakelaar. In case of any difference, the official document prevails.
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
According to the breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, no mandatory tests need to be carried out. Only mandatory from a later date: Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive rod-cone degeneration (Prcd-PRA) (from 01/07/2027) and Eye disorders (from 01/07/2027). A puppy with a Flemish pedigree comes from parent dogs bred according to this breeding programme. Ask for the results of both parent dogs and compare them with the overview above. A Portuguese Podengo (Small) needs long daily walks and regular chances to run freely in a high-fenced area: it jumps exceptionally high. Its coat is easy to look after.
Questions for the breeder
- Which recommended examinations in the breeding programme have both parent dogs undergone, and may I see the results?
- Is the general eye examination of both parent dogs still valid? According to the breeding programme: Valid for 2 years.
- Will the puppy receive a Flemish pedigree from a recognised breed registry association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
This hunter uses nose, eyes and ears and has a strong prey drive, so letting it off the lead is rarely safe. It is sensitive and independent, and learns best with a patient, kind approach.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
